Business Resources

Do you have a helpful resource you would like included on this page? Email marketing@altadenalibrary.org with requests. Staff reserves the right to use discretion when choosing the resources listed on this page.

Small Business

Online Resources:

Business Owner's ToolkitProvides small business owners with a portfolio of information, services, news, forms, sample contracts, checklists and software tools.

U.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives Resources for worker cooperatives, which are business entities that are owned and controlled by their members, the people who work in them. Contact the U.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives for information on how to start a co-op or convert an existing conventional business to a worker-owned or democratic workplace.

BPlans.com Free sample business and marketing plans, articles, and an "Ask an Expert" section.

Nolo Press Free legal advice for small businesses. Click the "Small Business" or "Employment Law" link on the menu under Free Legal Information for resources on small business, employment law, and independent contractors.

CalGold.ca.govAssistance with finding the appropriate permitting information for your business.

Altadena Chamber of Commerce One of the best ways to 'get known' in business is to join your local Chamber of Commerce. At Chamber of Commerce events you can network with other business owners and find business leads. This is where you'll find local talent, just like yourself, who are there to enjoy the company of fellow business owners.

CDFI FundCommunity Development Financial Institutions (“CDFI”) provide micro-loans to businesses who often do not qualify for bank loans as well as one-on-one counseling and business development assistance to facilitate credit-readiness.

Survey of Current Business The monthly Survey of Current Business is the Bureau of Economic Analysis' definitive source of information about its economic accounts.

Crowdfunding sites for small business start-ups:

EquityNet.com is used by thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, government entities, business incubators, and other members of the entrepreneurial community to plan, analyze, and capitalize privately-held businesses.

Kickstarter.com Uses crowdsourcing to fund independently created projects, including those that can develop into a business.

Traditional Loans

Association for Enterprise Opportunity AEO is the national member organization and voice of microbusiness in the United States. For nearly two decades, AEO and its more than 400 member organizations have helped more than two million entrepreneurs contribute to economic growth as they support themselves, their families, and their communities. Our membership includes microlenders, small business development organizations, non-profit lending organizations, and educational institutions dedicated to microenterprise.